Wisk Aero has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) and the University of Miami’s Engineering Autonomy Mobility Initiative (MEAMI).
These collaborations aim to accelerate the integration of safe, autonomous air travel to Miami, Florida, one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.
MDAD Collaboration
The MOU with MDAD focuses on strategic planning, infrastructure development, policy pathways, and the commercialization of autonomous AAM in Miami-Dade County and at MDAD airports.
Under the terms of the MoU, Wisk and MDAD will collaborate to identify optimal locations and assess the development of vertiport infrastructure at MDAD airports, including Miami International Airport (MIA), Miami Executive Airport (KTMB), and Opa-locka Executive Airport (OPF), to enable Wisk’s autonomous AAM operations.
Wisk will provide technical guidance on vertiport needs for autonomous operations to inform the design and development of infrastructure and flight procedures, as well as plan for potential site expansion.
MDAD will incorporate autonomous AAM considerations into existing planning efforts, including airport development, electrical infrastructure, and airspace management, and integrate AAM plans within Miami-Dade County, connecting MDAD airports to the broader region.
Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor, added, “I am extremely excited about this historic first step toward making Miami-Dade County one of the first areas in the country with advanced air mobility.
“This collaboration with Wisk allows us to strategically plan for the future of air travel, enhance connectivity, and explore new economic opportunities for Miami-Dade County. MIA is the busiest airport in Florida and the second busiest in the country for international passengers, which makes it the perfect launch site for AAM.”
MEAMI Partnership
The MOU with the University of Miami MEAMI establishes a framework for collaborative research and development that will further advance autonomous mobility technology. Under the terms of the MoU, Wisk and MEAMI will:
- Collaborate on research and development for advanced technology, operations, regulations, safety, and overall AAM development.
- Develop business opportunities to advance autonomous mobility technology, specifically within U.S regulatory frameworks.
- Utilize University of Miami resources and facilities, and pursue grant opportunities for joint projects and product development.
Pratim Biswas, Dean of the University of Miami College of Engineering, stated, “At the University of Miami, we are leveraging faculty expertise and cutting-edge research to help make autonomous air mobility a reality.
“Through our collaboration with Wisk, we are advancing core technologies like advanced sensors and next-generation battery systems that are essential to making AAM safe and scalable. This partnership exemplifies how academic innovation and industry leadership can come together to make autonomous urban flight possible.”
Sebastien Vigneron, CEO of Wisk, commented, “Miami has demonstrated long-standing support for AAM, making it a natural fit for future Wisk operations. We’re incredibly excited to deepen our roots here with both the Miami Dade Aviation Department and the University of Miami. These partnerships are helping us build the entire AAM ecosystem and unlock the full potential of autonomous operations at scale so we can bring safe, everyday flight to everyone.”
